Sibling kinship carers in England: Evidence from the 2001 UK population census

The numbers of children in kinship care in England has been thought to be substantial, but it is only recently that research has begun to illuminate the circumstances and needs of carers and children. This paper describes the findings of an analysis of the 2001 UK Population Census. For the first time, the numbers of children in kinship care were estimated, as was the proportions of children living in formal and informal kinship care. As expected many children were being brought up by grandparents but surprisingly, large numbers of children were living with an older sibling. This group of kinship carers has not been previously identified by researchers or policy makers and their circumstances and needs may differ from grandparent kinship carers.

►Analysis of the 2001 UK Population Census. ►Estimated 1 in every 77 children were being brought up by a relative. ►Majority of the arrangements were informal. ►Surprised to find 38% of children living with a sibling. ►Siblings were mainly young single women, poorly educated and living in poverty.